Special Education Preliminary Credentials

Mild/Moderate Preliminary Credential

Program Overview

The Preliminary Education Specialist Mild/Moderate credential is 39 semester units of a 46 semester unit Master's degree. Candidate will apply their learning in fieldwork and Clinical Practice experiences in elementary, middle, or high school classrooms.

This program prepares candidates to collaborate with general education teachers in order to create, develop, and implement adaptations and accomodations for students with specific learning disabilities in a variety of environments. Coursework focuses on state and federal regulations, use of core curriculum and state standards, learning and behavior strategies, Individual Education Plans (IEP) as well as use of assistive technologies.

Clinical Practice: During the culminating experience, candidates work full time in a special education classroom for a semester under the guidance of a Cooperating Teacher. Schools are assigned by the Field Experience Coordinator at each regional center.

Transfer work: Candidates may transfer up to 6 units of approved graduate level coursework to this program.

Moderate/Severe Preliminary Credential

Program Overview

The Preliminary Education Specialist Moderate/Severe credential is 39 semester units of a 46 semester unit Master's degree. The candidate will apply their learning in fieldwork and Clinical Practice experiences in elementary, middle, or high school classrooms.

This program prepares candidates to create, develop, and implement adaptations and accomodations for students with moderate to severe disabilities, such as learning, social/emotional and/or physical disabilities. Coursework focuses on state and federal regulations, use of specialized curricula, learning and transition strategies, Individual Education Plans (IEP) as well as use of assistive technologies.

Clinical Practice: During the culminating experience, candidates work full time in a special education moderate/severe classroom for a semester under the guidance of a Cooperating Teacher. Schools are assigned by the Field Experience Coordinator each regional center.